Ride system with motion simulation and video stream

ABSTRACT

A ride system includes a guide, a carriage adapted to travel along the guide, and a data source adapted to provide a video stream to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to guide. The carriage includes a seat and a display device adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ride systems, such as roller coasters, and more particularly to ride systems that include motion simulation together with actual motion of a carriage bearing one or more passengers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Thrill rides such as roller coasters are well-known and constitute a relatively mature technology. Amusement parks and other tourist attractions make use of such rides to attract and entertain visitors. However, as visitors' level of sophistication has risen over the years with the development of new entertainment technologies, in particular those pertaining to virtual reality displays, traditional roller coasters and other thrill rides are now challenged to keep up with such developments and with their visitors' expectations.

Furthermore, the costs associated with designing and constructing such rides has risen as well, as has the expense of refitting and/or reconfiguring existing rides to afford new and different ride experiences.

A need exists for a ride system that is capable of providing a sophisticated technological experience to riders.

A need also exists for a ride system that varied ride experiences with reduced costs for reconfiguration and/or refitting of existing ride structures.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ride system including a guide, a carriage adapted to travel along the guide, and a data source adapted to provide a video stream to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to a guide. The carriage includes a seat and a display device adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat. The guide with respect to which the motion is simulated can have any desired appearance and need not be confined to the appearance of the actual guide along which the carriage travels.

Particular embodiments of the inventive ride system are rollercoaster-type rides. Thus, according to one specific embodiment, the guide is a track that includes a plurality of track sections, more specifically at least one primary track section and at least one motion simulation section where the video stream is desirably displayed to the passenger. The motion simulation section can be collinear with the primary track section, or alternatively can be a sidetrack section disposed adjacent the primary track section.

Two or more motion simulation sections can be provided according to still more specific embodiments, with at least a portion of the sidetrack sections being disposed adjacent the primary track section.

Specific embodiments of the inventive ride system provide physical motion as well as video simulation of motion of the carriage relative to a guide, such as a simulated track. Thus, according to an additional specific embodiment, the carriage further includes at least one actuator which is adapted to accelerate the seat. More specific embodiments include a plurality of actuators which are adapted to accelerate the seat, more particularly arranged to accelerate the seat in a plurality of mutually perpendicular directions.

Multiple carriages are included in further particular embodiments of the inventive ride system. Each carriage is provided with its own display device in more particular embodiments. The carriage's display device is adapted to engage, activate, deactivate and disengage when specific criteria are met in particular embodiments of the inventive ride system. According to one such particular embodiment, the display device is adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat when the carriage meets a display activation criterion. Non-limiting exemplary activation criteria defined in more specific embodiments include arrival of the seat at a display activation location on the guide and reduction in the speed of the carriage to a preselected activation speed. Analogous display deactivation criteria, as defined in still other particular embodiments, include arrival of the seat at a display deactivation location on the guide and increase in the speed of the carriage to a preselected deactivation speed. According to still other particular embodiments that include a track with at least one motion simulation section and a carriage with at least one actuator which is adapted to accelerate the seat, the actuator is activated when or after the carriage meets the display activation criterion. This affords a synchronized video display and carriage motion to further enhance the simulated motion of the carriage relative to a track.

The inventive ride system can comprise a variety of display devices. According to specific embodiments, the display device comprises a headset. The headset, in more specific embodiments, is adapted to engage the head of a passenger seated in the seat. Such headsets can be, for example, wrap-around displays, full helmet-type units, eyepieces, and the like.

In further specific embodiments, the headset is adapted to automatically engage the head of a passenger when the carriage meets an engagement criterion. Engagement criteria include, according to more particular embodiments, arrival of the seat at an engagement location on the guide, and increase or decrease of the speed of the carriage to a preselected engagement speed. According to still other embodiments, the headset is adapted to automatically disengage the head of a passenger when the carriage meets a disengagement criterion, such as arrival of the seat at a disengagement location on the guide or increase in the speed of the carriage to a preselected disengagement speed.

The foregoing embodiments have employed a track as a guide for the carriage. Other guides can also be employed. According to an alternative embodiment, the guide is a cable and the carriage is suspended beneath the cable.

Ride systems according to the invention can be operated in an open-air environment. In which the guide is unenclosed by any structure. Alternatively, some or all of the guide can be at least partially enclosed. Thus, according to another particular embodiment, the guide includes a guide section that is at least partially enclosed.

The data source that provides the video stream to the display device can be disposed in any desired location and can be wireless or hard-wired. Thus, according to a specific embodiment, the data source is a transmitter, such as a short-range radio-frequency transmitter, which is separate from the carriage (for example, located at a ride operator station, or at another remote site). In such embodiments, the carriage further includes a receiver adapted to receive the video stream from the transmitter and provide the video stream to the display device. The receiver can be incorporated into the display device or be a separate element in communication with the display device. Alternative embodiments include a data source which is included in the carriage, for example, a DVD drive supplied with a DVD, a flash drive provided with a data file including the information to be streamed, or any other conventional storage device which communicates with the display device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a ride. The method includes the steps of: providing a ride system as described above, including a guide, a carriage adapted to travel along the guide, the carriage including a seat, and a display device adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat; and a data source adapted to provide a video stream to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to a guide; causing the carriage to travel along the guide when a passenger is seated in the seat; and providing a video stream from the data source to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to a guide.

According to particular embodiments, the guide is a track including a plurality of track sections including at least one primary track section and at least one motion simulation section. In these embodiments, the video stream is provided to the display device while the carriage is present on the motion simulation section.

More particular embodiments operate a carriage that also includes at least one actuator which is adapted to accelerate the seat. In such embodiments, the actuator is activated during the time the video stream is provided to the display device. Very particular embodiments include a plurality of actuators which are adapted to accelerate the seat.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which

FIGS. 1 a-c are side elevation, top plan and partial side cutaway views of an exemplary roller coaster-type carriage employed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which includes an embodiment of a display device adapted to engage the head of a passenger,

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system of the invention that includes a roller coaster-type track having at least one local high track section, one local low track section, and an enclosed section, and which includes a motion simulation section and defined engagement, display activation, display deactivation and disengagement locations,

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of motion simulation sections and their relation to a primary track section in an embodiment of the inventive ride system,

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of a ride system of the invention which employs a cable as a guide and a carriage suspended from the cable, and

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative carriage that included two seats, each provided with its own display device and camera for transmitting images of the passenger for incorporation into the video transmission provided to the adjacent display device.

In the figures, like numbers are used to denote like elements throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, a “carriage” is any structure that is capable of carrying at least one human passenger. Such structures can be fully enclosed, that is, constructed to enclose the entire body of a passenger, partially enclosed, or open, that is, not enclosing the body of a passenger. A “guide” as used herein is any structure that is capable of constraining the motion of a carriage along at least one direction.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 a-b, carriage 10 includes body 12 with wheel assembly 14 that engages track section 16. Any conventional wheel assembly can be used to engage the carriage 10 with the track. The wheel assembly can be covered, as illustrated, or open, and can include two or more wheels per assembly as desired or required to achieve acceptable engagement of the carriage with the track. Seat 18 is mounted within body 12 of carriage 10.

Wrap-around display device 20 is mounted on display device guides 22 disposed on either side of seat 18, allowing a passenger to be seated in seat 18 such that display device 20 is deployable along the guides (as indicated by the arrow) from a deactivated position behind the seat (shown in FIG. 1 a) to an activated position which engages and partially surrounds the passenger's head (shown in FIG. 1 b). This affords a wide field of vision for the simulation of the appearance of motion according to the invention. Display devices having other configurations and other supporting elements can also be employed. For example, a flat-panel display device can be used. The display device can also be deployed by means of a movable arm or other structure.

In FIG. 1 c, data source 24 (as shown, mounted within body 12 of carriage 10) provides a video stream to display device 20, for example, by transmission of the video stream to a receiver within the display device, via a hard wire connection, or by other desired means. Actuators 26 mounted within body 12 and connected to seat 18 facilitate motions of seat 18 corresponding to the simulated motion displayed by display device 20. Odometer 28 is in communication with display device 20 (by wire, via short-range transmitter, etc.).

In FIG. 2 an exemplary ride system 30 includes a roller coaster-type track 32 having a plurality of track sections 34 including primary track section 48 and motion simulation section 50. Primary track section 48 includes one or more track sections which can include, for example, one or more upslope track sections 36, one or more peak track sections 38, one or more downslope track sections 40 and one or more valley track sections 42. One or more carriages 10 engage track 32 and carry passengers who board the carriage(s) at passenger embarkation platform 60.

In operation, a passenger boards carriage 10 at passenger embarkation platform 60. Carriage 10 then commences travel along track 32, ascending upslope track section 36 using conventional propulsion means, for example, a chain drive or other mechanism, until it reaches peak track section 38 and begins its descent along downslope track section 40 toward valley section 42.

At a designated engagement location along track 32, which can be, for example, a location 44 on downslope track section 40, display device 20 engages the head of the passenger seated in carriage 10. In the illustrated embodiment, when the seat 18 in which the passenger is seated arrives at engagement location 44, as determined by odometer 28 or by other means such as contact with a triggering device, display device 20 travels along display device guide 22 from a disengaged location behind seat 18 to an engaged location in front of seat 18 and before the eyes of the passenger seated in seat 18.

Depending on the particular structure and configuration of the display device used, the display device can be deployed to engage the head of the passenger in other ways. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, display device 88 mounted on display device 90 engages a passenger's head by rotating from a disengaged position to an engaged position.

Display device 20 can also engage a passenger's head when carriage 10 meets an alternative engagement criterion, such as a reduction or increase in the speed of the carriage to a preselected engagement speed. Thus, referring to FIGS. 1 c and 2, when the speed of carriage 10, moving downward along track section 40, increases its speed to a preselected engagement speed, display device 20 deploys. If desired, engagement can also take place when carriage 10's speed decreases to a preselected speed, for example when carriage 10 is moving upward along an upslope track section.

As the carriage 10 proceeds along track 32, it next meets a display activation criterion which results in activation of display device 20 thereby providing the passenger with a video transmission. In a manner similar to the foregoing description of the engagement criterion, the display activation criterion can be, for example, arrival of seat 18 within carriage 10 at display activation location 46, increase or decrease in speed to a preselected activation speed, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, carriage 10, now proceeding upward along another upslope section 36 of primary track section 48, reaches display activation location 46. In particular embodiments, the display activation criterion is selected such that carriage 10 meets the criterion at a location at which it approaches motion simulation section 50 and its speed is decreasing, more particularly at a location at which its speed is about 5 mph or less, or alternatively, the display activation criterion is selected such that it is met when the carriage's speed is about 5 mph or less. Relatively low carriage speed at display activation facilitates a smooth transition into the simulation of apparent motion of the carriage relative to a track.

The video transmission is provided to the passenger via display device 20, as illustrated, by means of a transmitter 66 located at a transmission site, which can be located adjacent track 32, in a separate control structure (not shown), or at any other desired location. Alternatively, the video transmission can be provided as described above via an on-board data source 24.

The video transmission simulates apparent motion of the carriage relative to a track (or other guide), which need not be, and in many particular embodiments is not, only the track along which carriage 10 actually travels. In specific embodiments, the simulated track begins as a simulation of a section of the actual track 32 on which carriage 10 travels, but then transitions (using a morphing process or other video simulation technique) into a simulation of a track section that differs in structure, geometric configuration, location or other features from the actual track 32. Thus, for example, an initially straight track section can appear to morph into a curved section that rises and falls in elevation, includes vertical loops, corkscrews or other features, includes jumps over gaps, etc. The simulated track can also be depicted as initially traveling through an environment identical to the actual physical environment in which track 32 is located, then transitioning into another environment, such as a forest, jungle, mountain landscape, seashore, desert, urban landscape, aerial environment, or imaginary location such as an extraterrestrial landscape, interplanetary space or the like. Simulated motion can be depicted, in particular embodiments, as taking place within a cloud, among flocks of birds, in an aerial dogfight among fighter aircraft, on the streets of a city at high speed, through trees and attendant wildlife in a jungle, or through any other desired virtual space. The inventive system thus affords passengers a wide range of possible ride experiences through various simulated environments, and allows the ride system's owner to provide a variety of ride experiences without having to modify the structure, configuration and/or location of the track or other guide.

In specific embodiments, the perceived speed of the simulated motion of the carriage with respect to the simulated track or other guide is equal or substantially equal to the actual speed of the carriage when the display activation criterion is met. This affords a smooth transition between the passenger's perception of the actual carriage motion and his perception of the simulated motion as provided by the display device.

The display device 20 is activated, in particular embodiments, at a location prior to or at the beginning of motion simulation section 50 of track 32. In specific embodiments, therefore, at least a majority of the simulated motion displayed to the passenger is transmitted while carriage 10 is located in motion simulation section 50. In such embodiments, the speed of carriage 10 is such that at least a majority of the simulated motion displayed to the passenger is transmitted prior to the carriage's exit from motion simulation section 50. In exemplary embodiments, carriage 10 slows from the speed with which it entered motion simulation section 50 to a reduced speed, and more specifically reduces to zero or substantially zero at some location within motion simulation section 50. At least a portion of the video stream simulating the appearance of motion of carriage 10 is provided to the passenger while the speed of carriage 10 is thus reduced.

Track 32, and more particularly motion simulation section 50, can be partially or completely enclosed by a structure (see, e.g., FIG. 2, enclosure 52) in various particular embodiments. An enclosed motion simulation section 50 can enhance the display of simulated motion, for example by reducing or eliminating perceived lighting or other distractions from the environment, enabling simulation of fog, smoke, atmospheric effects such as lightning and thunder, other visual and/or sound effects, and the like. Various embodiments of the enclosure 52 can enclose longer or shorter sections of track 32, including some or all of a preceding upslope track section 36 and also the downslope track section 40 preceding the upslope track section.

The video transmission continues until the carriage 10 meets a display deactivation criterion. Such a criterion is typically the converse of the display activation criterion and can be, in particular embodiments, arrival of the seat of the carriage at a display deactivation location (e.g., FIG. 2, display deactivation location 54), which can be a point within motion simulation section 50 or a point within a subsequent section of track 32; increase in the speed of the carriage 10 to a preselected deactivation speed; and the like. Similarly, when the carriage 10 meets a disengagement criterion, display device 20 disengages with the head of the passenger. Disengagement criteria can be, in particular embodiments, arrival of the seat of the carriage at a disengagement location (e.g., FIG. 2, display deactivation location 56), which can be a point within motion simulation section 50 or a point within a subsequent section of track 32; increase in the speed of the carriage 10 to a preselected disengagement speed; and the like. Carriage 10 then continues along the remainder of track 32, which can, in specific embodiments, include additional upslope, downslope, peak and/or valley sections before returning to passenger embarkation platform 60, where the passenger disembarks from carriage 10 and another passenger boards to repeat the ride cycle as described.

Carriage motion can be simulated exclusively by means of the video transmission provided to the passenger if desired. According to more particular embodiments, the display of simulated motion is further enhanced by physical movements of the carriage 10, more specifically while the carriage 10 is present within motion simulation section 50. Such physical movements can be accomplished in various ways. For example, some or all of motion simulation section 50 can be physically moved, thus also moving carriage 10. In other specific embodiments, seat 18 of carriage 10 is provided with one or more actuators 26 (FIG. 1 c) which are adapted to accelerate seat 18 in at least one direction, and very specifically in two or more mutually perpendicular directions. Passengers seated in seats 18 provided with such actuators can experience pitch, roll and/or yaw motions, which in particular embodiments are coordinated with the video transmission provided via display device 20, to provide an enhanced motion simulation.

The preceding embodiments and figures have been directed to ride systems including a rigid track and a carriage adapted to travel along the upper surface of the track. Alternative embodiments can employ other configurations, such as carriages suspended from the track or otherwise engaging the lower surface of the track. Additional embodiments can employ a non-rigid guide, such as a cable, from which a carriage is suspended. Such an alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, suspended carriage 80 travels along and beneath cable 82, which extends between support towers 84. Carriage 80 includes seat 86 and display device 88, which is mounted on movable display device support arm 90.

In operation, a passenger boards suspended carriage 80 from passenger embarkation platform 60, and carriage 80 commences travel along cable 82. When carriage 80 reaches engagement location 44 (or otherwise meets a preselected engagement criterion), display device 88 engages the passenger's head, as with the roller coaster embodiments discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, display device support arm 80 rotates display device 86 into the appropriate position to engage the passenger's head. Carriage 80 proceeds along cable 82 to display activation location 46 (or otherwise meets a preselected display activation criterion), at which point a video transmission is provided to the passenger seated in seat 86. Carriage 80 proceeds into motion simulation zone 92, in which at least a portion of the video transmission is provided to the passenger. When carriage 80 reaches display deactivation location 54 (or otherwise meets a preselected display deactivation criterion), the video transmission is discontinued, and when the carriage reaches disengagement location 56 (or otherwise meets a preselected disengagement criterion), display device 88 disengages from the passenger's head. At the end of the ride, the passenger disembarks at passenger disembarkation platform 94, after which time the carriage 80 is returned to the vicinity of passenger embarkation platform 60.

Travel of carriage 80 along cable 82 can be effected in a variety of ways. The carriage can slide freely down an inclined cable 82, and then returned via a tow line. Alternatively, the carriage can be affixed to a continuous looped cable, in which case the passenger disembarks from carriage 80 while the carriage travels across passenger disembarkation platform 92.

The preceding embodiments include a single motion simulation section or motion simulation zone. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of motion simulation sections are used, one of which forms a section continuous with and in alignment with the primary track section (or other guide section) and one of more of which form sidetrack sections disposed adjacent the primary track or other guide section. Turning to FIG. 3, a motion simulation section 50 extends continuously and in alignment with primary track section 48, while sidetrack sections 62, each with their own sidetrack motion simulation sections 64, connect with and extend adjacent the primary track section 48. In these embodiments, a plurality of carriages can travel along the various motion simulation sections simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, before merging back onto the primary track section to complete the ride cycle. Such embodiments afford increased passenger volume.

Carriages illustrated for use in the preceding embodiments have included one passenger seat with corresponding display device. According to alternative embodiments, the carriage accommodates two or more passengers, and thus includes a plurality of seats, with display devices provided for each seat. FIG. 5 illustrates such a carriage including two seats 18, each provided with a display device 20 supported by guide 22.

Multi-passenger embodiments also afford the opportunity to incorporate images of the adjacent passenger into the video transmissions provided to each display device. In FIG. 5, cameras 96 included in display devices 20 capture images of the passenger engaged by the display devices. These images can then be provided to a processor, which can then incorporate the images into the video stream that is then provided to each passenger, thereby allowing passengers to view those adjacent to them as part of the video stream. 

1. A ride system comprising: a) a guide; b) a carriage adapted to travel along the guide, the carriage comprising i) a seat, and ii) a display device adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat; and c) a data source adapted to provide a video stream to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to a guide.
 2. The ride system of claim 1 wherein the guide is a track comprising a plurality of track sections.
 3. The ride system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of track sections comprises at least one primary track section and at least one motion simulation section.
 4. The ride system of claim 3 wherein the motion simulation section is a sidetrack section disposed adjacent the primary track section.
 5. The ride system of claim 3 comprising a plurality of motion simulation sections, at least a portion of which are sidetrack sections disposed adjacent the primary track section.
 6. The ride system of claim 3 wherein the carriage further comprises at least one actuator which is adapted to accelerate the seat.
 7. The ride system of claim 2 wherein the carriage comprises a plurality of seats.
 8. The ride system of claim 7 wherein the carriage comprises display devices adapted to receive and display a video transmission to passenger seated in each of the plurality of seats.
 9. The ride system of claim 2 wherein the display device is adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat when the carriage meets a display activation criterion.
 10. The ride system of claim 2 wherein the display device is adapted to discontinue display of a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat when the carriage meets a display deactivation criterion.
 11. The ride system of claim 9 wherein the plurality of track sections comprises at least one primary track section and at least one motion simulation section, the carriage further comprises at least one actuator which is adapted to accelerate the seat, and the actuator is activated when or after the carriage meets the display activation criterion.
 12. The ride system of claim 2 wherein the display device comprises a headset.
 13. The ride system of claim 12 wherein the headset is adapted to engage the head of a passenger seated in the seat.
 14. The ride system of claim 13 wherein the headset is adapted to automatically engage the head of a passenger when the carriage meets an engagement criterion.
 15. The ride system of claim 13 wherein the headset is adapted to automatically disengage the head of a passenger when the carriage meets a disengagement criterion.
 16. The ride system of claim 1 wherein the guide is a cable and wherein the carriage is suspended beneath the cable.
 17. The ride system of claim 1 wherein the guide comprises a guide section that is at least partially enclosed.
 18. The ride system of claim 1 wherein the data source is a transmitter which is separate from the carriage and wherein the carriage further comprises a receiver adapted to receive the video stream from the transmitter and provide the video stream to the display device.
 19. The ride system of claim 1 wherein the data source is included in the carriage.
 20. A method of operating a ride comprising the steps of: a) providing a ride system comprising i) a guide; ii a carriage adapted to travel along the guide, the carriage comprising A) a seat, and B) a display device adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat; and iii) a data source adapted to provide a video stream to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to a guide; b) causing the carriage to travel along the guide when a passenger is seated in the seat, and c) providing a video stream from the data source to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to a guide.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the guide is a track comprising a plurality of track sections including at least one primary track section and at least one motion simulation section, and wherein step (c) is carried out while the carriage is present on the motion simulation section.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the carriage further comprises at least one actuator which is adapted to accelerate the seat, and wherein the actuator is activated during step (c). 